Author

Robin Opsahl

Robin Opsahl

Robin Opsahl is an Iowa Capital Dispatch reporter covering the state Legislature and politics. They have experience covering government, elections and more at media organizations including Roll Call, the Sacramento Bee and the Wausau Daily Herald.

Trump cruises to historic Iowa caucus victory; DeSantis edges past Haley

By: and - January 15, 2024

Trump entered the first-in-the-nation nominating contest with a historic lead in the most recent Iowa Poll by The Des Moines Register/NBC News/Mediacom — leading at 48%.

DeSantis and Haley trade accusations at Iowa debate while Trump holds separate town hall

By: and - January 11, 2024

At the debate, the two candidates repeatedly attacked one another for allegedly lying about their track records.

On debate stage, Christie continues anti-Trump crusade, mostly alone

By: and - December 7, 2023

Ex-Gov. Chris Christie has made criticism of former President Donald Trump, the far-and-away leading candidate in the field, the cornerstone of his campaign.

GOP presidential candidates brawl in Florida debate, while Trump rallies nearby

By: and - November 9, 2023

Trump once again declined to participate in what was the third debate of the primary race, holding his own rally in nearby Hialeah instead.

Trump goes after DeSantis, Haley while predicting a caucus win in Iowa

By: - October 30, 2023

Trump claimed other Republican presidential candidates will not defend Iowa farmers and the ethanol industry as well as he did as president.

Former Vice President Mike Pence ends 2024 presidential bid

By: - October 28, 2023

In suspending his campaign, Pence said Saturday that his team knew it would be an “uphill battle” to win the Republican presidential candidacy.

GOP presidential hopefuls tear into each other and absent Trump at second debate

By: and - September 28, 2023

With Donald Trump absent, the remaining major candidates spent much of the rest of the night largely espousing the same conservative positions on a host of issues.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis talks Disney, book bans at Iowa campaign kickoff

By: - May 31, 2023

While Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has already made several trips to the first-in-the-nation Republican caucus state in 2023, the visit was his first stop in Iowa since announcing his presidential candidacy.